as in bays
a part of a body of water that extends beyond the general shoreline
a secluded cove that smugglers once used
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of coves
Throughout the year, beachgoers enjoy its rocky coves and expansive sand, as well as the cliffs and headlands that preside over its shorelines.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
The South Laguna stretch of beaches, including Treasure Island, is popular for its dramatic high cliffs, rocky outcroppings and remote coves.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
The following day is left intentionally open-ended—travelers may take a private boat from the hotel to Positano, visiting quiet coves and swimming spots along the way, or stay on property for a painting lesson on the terrace with a local artist.
—AFAR Media, 17 Oct. 2025
Smith Mountain Lake is the centerpiece of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, which boasts peaceful coves and waterways, as well as more than a dozen scenic hiking trails and a swimming beach.
—Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
Find the dramatic red cliffs of Praia da Falésia and wild surf in Arrifana, along with calm seas in the coves near Carvoeiro.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Wander the walking trails, picnic by the water’s edge, or dive into coves.
—Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Liguria, the region of northwest Italy perched on the Portofino coast, offers countless picturesque villages and coves to explore.
—Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
Another notable individual is a female known as Flame, who has been sighted 695 times over the past 20 years — more than any other humpback — mostly in the coves, bays, and inlets around Juneau, Alaska’s capital.
—Big Think, 26 Dec. 2024
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
The South Laguna stretch of beaches, including Treasure Island, is popular for its dramatic high cliffs, rocky outcroppings and remote coves.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
The following day is left intentionally open-ended—travelers may take a private boat from the hotel to Positano, visiting quiet coves and swimming spots along the way, or stay on property for a painting lesson on the terrace with a local artist.
—AFAR Media, 17 Oct. 2025
Smith Mountain Lake is the centerpiece of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, which boasts peaceful coves and waterways, as well as more than a dozen scenic hiking trails and a swimming beach.
—Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
Find the dramatic red cliffs of Praia da Falésia and wild surf in Arrifana, along with calm seas in the coves near Carvoeiro.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Wander the walking trails, picnic by the water’s edge, or dive into coves.
—Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Liguria, the region of northwest Italy perched on the Portofino coast, offers countless picturesque villages and coves to explore.
—Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
Another notable individual is a female known as Flame, who has been sighted 695 times over the past 20 years — more than any other humpback — mostly in the coves, bays, and inlets around Juneau, Alaska’s capital.
—Big Think, 26 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coves
Noun
-
The eight-story, 675,000-square-foot facility would have 70 emergency department bays and eight operating rooms.—
Lauren Giella,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Mangroves exist in the intertidal zones of warm rivers, estuaries and bays, growing in the sediment brought to the coast by the freshwater rivers and tides, according to the Australia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Mangroves exist in the intertidal zones of warm rivers, estuaries and bays, growing in the sediment brought to the coast by the freshwater rivers and tides, according to the Australia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
-
In partnership with Leave No Trace, Martin County offers the tours for free, helping visitors discover the natural beauty of the coastline’s mangroves, estuaries, hammocks, and trails.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Coves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coves. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share